Will of Jacob Sowles
As of this writing, I have not heard from the Wisconsin chapter of the Mayflower Society regarding our application. I have recently reached out to the National Society and am awaiting their reply. In the meantime, I have begun compiling some documents that link our family to the previously approved generations as published by the Mayflower Society in their “silver books” and in the additional “pink books”.
To pick up where the approved line leaves off brings us to generation 7 with Hannah Sowle. The first question is how to prove that this Hannah Sowle was the daughter of Jacob Sowle who lived in Blenheim, New York, and who moved to Wisconsin and lived in Koshkonong, Jefferson County.
Jacob “Sowles” died 28 April 1859. Jacob’s will was submitted to the court in August of 1859. In his will he names his wife and children, Hannah being third after her mother and sister Sarah. Hannah is not listed with her married name, however, and no reference to her spouse. However, further into the probate file in the account papers, there is a receipt from “Mrs. Hannah Fancher” for her portion of the estate dated 3 September 1860. There is also another page in the account papers where Jacob Sowle’s wife Rebecca has her receipt for her part of the estate. This receipt is signed by Smith Fancher as “her agent”. Smith Fancher is the husband of Hannah Sowle Fancher.
Will this be enough proof to link the generations?
I have also ordered the death certificate of Hannah Fancher from the Wisconsin Historical Society and am awaiting its arrival.
I will post updates as progress is made.
The first part of this story can be read here.
WitzEnd Family History 