"Probate Records. Vol. XV, 1745 to 1750. Page 239-40-1.
Merrell, John, Hartford. Inventory taken 4 July, 1748, by Jacob Kellogg and Abraham Merrell. Will dated 9 May, 1748. I, John Merrell of Hartford, do make this my last will and testament: I give to Sarah, my wife, 1-3 part of my moveable estate to be at her dispose forever, and the use of 1-2 of my houseing and lands during her natural life. I give to my son John Merrell my 1st and 2nd pitch of land in New Hartford, saving what I have heretofore disposed of by deed of gift, to be at his dispose forever. I give to my son Ebenezer Merrell my homelott at New Hartford, as also a pitch of land in sd. New Hartford lying in the Mast Swamp and runs in the forks, to be at his dispose forever. I give to the heirs of my son Aaron Merrell decd. 1-3 of my lands lying in Hartford, including what I have already given him by deed of gift, to be at their dispose forever. I give to my son Cyprian Merrell 1-3 part of my houseing and land in Hartford, to be at his dispose forever. I give to my son Benjamin Merrell 1-3 part of my land at Hartford to be at his dispose forever, he paying to my grandson and granddaughter, Abijah and Mercy, the children of my son Caleb Merrell decd., when they come of age to receive it, unto Abijah £10 money, and to Mercy £5. I give to the children of my daughter Sarah decd., viz., Roger Olmsted, Irene and Damaras Olmsted, each £5 money. I give to my daughter Lydia Merrell £50. I give to my daughter Ann Merrell, alias Gillet, 10 shillings money. I give to my son Nathaniel Merrell 5 shillings money. Furthermore, my will is that what moveable estate is left after the above legacies are paid and my just debts, shall be for the use of my wife forever. I do appoint my two sons, Cyprian and Benjamin Merrell, executors.
"JOHN X MERRELL, LS.
Witness: 'Daniel Hooker, John Steele, Moses Nash.
Court Record, Page 69—6 June, 1748: The last will and testament of John Merrell, late of Hartford decd., was now exhibited in Court by Cyprian Merrell and Benjamin Merrell, executors. Will proven and ordered to be recorded and kept on file.
Page 81—6 December, 1748: Cyprian and Benjamin Merrell, executors to the last will of John Merrell, late of Hartford, now moved to this Court that distribution be made of the estate of the sd. decd, according to his last will: Whereupon this Court appoint Thomas Hosmer, Stephen Hosmer and Isaac Goodwin distributors."