Individual Page

Person Info

• Name: Michael DOWNER
• Sex: M
• Birth: 1690 ^b
• Death: Abt 10 May 1762 in Lampeter Twp, Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania ^d
• Burial: Mellinger's Meeting House, Lampeter Township, Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania ^u


Parents:

• Father:
  
• Hans DANNER Birth: 25 Mar 1678 in Langnau, Bern, Switzerland Death: Germany
Mother:

• Anna (DANNER)

Family:
Marriage:

• Magdalena (DOWNER) .^m1
  
• Magdalena (DOWNER) Death: 1789

Children:

1. John Sr DOWNER Birth: 1726 in Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania Death: 1803 in Lebanon Co, Pennsylvania
2. Maria DOWNER Birth: 11 Feb 1729 in Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania Death: 21 Jun 1802 in Elizabeth Twp, Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania
3. Anna DOWNER Birth: 1731 in Lampeter Twp, Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania Death: 1817
4. Abraham DOWNER Birth: 1732 in Lampeter Twp, Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania Death: Before 17 Nov 1786 in Lampeter Twp, Lancaster Co, Pennsylvania

Bibliography

Sources for birth and parent Information

date:

[Ref: Best GROFF p90, DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p1, GroffCL GROFF p51]

1700 [Ref: Landis EarliestDoner p14]

abt 1700 [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

c1690 [Ref: Dohner FamCemeteries2],

parents:

Hans DANNER & Anna ___ [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324],

father:

[Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p1, DohnerHH DOHNER p36]

Sources for death Information

date:

1759 [Ref: Best GROFF p90, DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p1, GroffCL GROFF p51]

1762 [Ref: Landis EarliestDoner p14]

1762 before 14 Jun when widow Magdalena made renunciation of her rights [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p8]

Between 29 May 1759 and 1762 [Ref: LancasterCoPA WillAbs1 v1p204]

after 2 May 1762 (date of deed), before 14 May 1762 (acknowledgement was by witnesses, not grantor) [Ref: LancasterCoPA Deeds H-12]

by 1762 [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

c1759 [Ref: Dohner FamCemeteries2],

place:

[Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324, DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p1]

Sources for burial Information

place:

[Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p8]

Sources with Information about marriage to Magdalena (DOWNER)

names:

Michael DANNER & Magdalena ___ [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

Michael DOWNER & Magdalena ___ [Ref: Best GROFF p90, DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p1, DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p2, GroffCL GROFF p51, LancasterCoPA Deeds H-12, Landis EarliestDoner p14],

child:

[Ref: Best GROFF p90, Davis Emigrants v3p324, DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p1, DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p2, GroffCL GROFF p51, Landis EarliestDoner p14]

Research Notes:
immigrated with the second influx of immigrants about 1717 [Ref: Landis EarliestDoner p14]

arrived in Pennsylvania from Germany about 1710 [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p1]

Feb 20 1718: purchased 200 acres of land from George Doner and Barbara Kendrick (brother-in-law of Jacob Kendrick) of the London Company, adjoining Jacob Doner, Felix Landis, and others [Ref: Landis EarliestDoner p14]

1724: first taxed in Conestoga, with brother Jacob [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

1725: first appear on tax lists of Lancaster Co, PA [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p7]

1731: Michael and brother Jacob secured title to 400 acres of land in Lampeter township, Lancaster County, PA., each taking 200 acres for 25 pounds. Michael built a stone house on his part of land, and it remains to the present time. [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER Part-I-p1]

Dec 20 1731: purchased from George Kendig 200 acres of land in Lampeter Township. Recorded in Philadelphia Deed book G vol 1 p18, and noted in [Ref: LancasterCoPA Deeds H-12, LancasterCoPA Deeds Y-174]

December 24, 1731, purchased of George Kendrick and wife Barbara, as recorded in Philadelphia, Book G, vol 1, page 18. Michael's share was the north half and lay on both sides of Mill Creek in Lampeter township, Lancaster County, bounded on one side by John Binkley's land. Jacob's land was the south half of the 400 acre tract and also adjoined that of Felix Landis. In 1731 Felix Landis transferred a part of his first tract of 400 acres along Mill Creek, purchased in 1719 of George Kendrick, to John Binkley, a Palatinate miller of grain, adjoining the land of Michael Downer. Later, Michael Downer and Joseph Boughwalter were the Executors of the Felix Landis estate. [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p8]

Farm in Lampeter township: Jun 25, 1718: A Grant by William Penn 5553 acres to Tobial Collett & Others, Patent Book A, v5, p30. Feb 20, 1719: Lease & Release by Thomas Collett & Others, 400 acres to Jacob Kendrick, Patent Book F, v4, Phil, PA. Transfer Jacob Kendrick Estate, 400 acres to George Kendrick, heir. Dec 24 1731, Indenture George Kendrick & wife Barbara, to Michael Downer for 25# English money, Record Rolls Office Book G, v1, p18, Phil, PA. Feb 1 1755: Water Right, Michael Downer to Water Right on Mill Creek to John Binkle, for 35# English money, Record Book 5, p174. Agreement: Michael Downer, 200 acres (on Mill Creek) to Abraham Downer, Record Book H, p12, Lancaster, PA. May 29 1739 (by Will) Michael Downer, The Plantation on Mill Creek, to Abraham Downer, where he lives, for 500# (on time) etc, Record Book H, v2, p104, Lancaster, PA. May 2 1762, Conveyance, Michael Downer (homestead) 200 Acres to Abraham Downer (resident), Book G, v1, p18, Philadelphia or Lancaster. Jun 14 1762, Renunciation, Michael's widow, Magdalena, to Abraham Downer for Administration. Jul 1 1763, Patent Deed, Michael Downer, by Administration, 200 acres to Abraham Downer, Lambeter twp, Record Book AA, v4, p395, Harrisburg, PA. [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p11]

Aug 22 1734: warranted 200 acres in Lebanon Twp; sold this land to his son John on 15 Nov 1751 [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

Aug 22 1734: by warrant, Michael Downer purchased a farm of 265 acres all in Lebanon township, Lancaster County, PA [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p8]

May 9 1749: patent issued for 260 acres of land on a branch of Swahatawa in Lebanon Twp. Recorded 24 Jun 1749 in Patent Book A Vol 15 page 171. Noted in [Ref: LancasterCoPA Deeds D-527]

purchased for for 40# 6 shillings, from Thomas & Richard Penn, Record Patent Book A, v15, p171. Philadelphia, PA [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p13]

purchased 260 acres and 61 perches [Ref: Landis EarliestDoner p14]

1751: taxed at Lampeter Twp [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

1751: Lampeter Township Assessments: Michel Downer 12s [Ref: LancasterCoPA TaxLists 1751-8 p7]

Nov 15 1751: sold land warranted on 22 Aug 1734 to son John [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

Nov 15 1751: (with wife Maudlin) sold to their son John Downer, for 260 pounds, 260 acres of land on Swahatawa in Lebanon Twp, land received by patent dated 9 May 1749 [Ref: LancasterCoPA Deeds D-527]

Nov 15 1751, Michael Downer sold his farm of 265 acres in Lebanon township, Lancaster County, to his son John for 260 pounds of lawful money of Pennsylvania [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p8]

sale of farm in Record Book D, p527, Lancaster [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p13]

Feb 1 1755: sold to John Binkley, for 35 pounds, all the part of Mill Creek, and the lands that the creek overflowed onto [Ref: LancasterCoPA Deeds Y-174]

sometime between 1731 and 1755 John Binkley, the miller of grain, built a mill dam across Mill Creek that caused damage to Michael DOWNER. In 1755 Michael sold a water right along Mill Creek to John Binkley for 35 pounds in English money. [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p8]

May 29 1759: made will, at Lampeter Twp, Lancaster Co, PA [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

May 29 1759: made will, died in 1762. Will granted son Abraham the farm of 200 acres in Lampeter township, Lancaster Co, PA. Patent Office in Harrisburg, Book AA, Vol 4, page 395. [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p8]

will dated 29 May 1759, written in German and recorded in Lancaster County Court House in vol Y-2. Mentions wife Magdalena; sons John and Abraham; other unnamed children. [Ref: LancasterCoPA Wills 2Y-104]

sold his 200 acres in Lampeter to youngest son Abraham [Ref: Davis Emigrants v3p324]

May 2 1762: Michael Downar & wife Magdalena of Lampeter Twp rel to their son Abram 200 acres in Lampeter Twp for #500 & love & affection, Land originally patented to Tobias Collett, Daniel Quare, Henry Goldney; to Jacob Kindig 20 Feb 1718; Kindig died intestate and 400 acres became vested in his brother George Kindig; George Kindig & wife Barbara granted to Michael Downer 20 Dec 1721. Deed recorded 15 May 1762, book H p12. [Ref: LancasterCoPA DeedAbs H12, LancasterCoPA Deeds H-12]

will directed Plantation where John Sr. lives, Lebanon twp, Lancaster Co, to John Sr, for 200# to be paid 10# annually [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p13]

Will made May 29 1759, proved in 1762. Executor Benjamin Landis and Jacob Hartman. Lampeter Twp. Wife Magdalena Doner. Children: Abraham & John. [Ref: LancasterCoPA WillAbs1 v1p204]

Jun 14 1762: widow, Magdalena, made renunciation of her rights [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p8]

buried in Dohner Family Cemetery, located along Spangler Road about 3 miles south of Lebanon, lebanon Co, PA. [Ref: Dohner FamCemeteries1, Dohner FamCemeteries2]

Tombstone inscription: "Michael Dohner and wife Maudlin born in Switzerland. Emigrated to America about 1734. They settled on this farm whose remains, with other descendants, lie buried here. This memorial is thus erected 1915 by the 5th and 6th generation of the Dohners of America." [Ref: Dohner FamCemeteries2]

--------------- From Pennsylvania Archives, Series II, XIX, p650:
Agreed with Mich'l Danager, late of Germany, but now of this Province, for 300 acres of Land on or near Pecque Creek, in Chester County, for 30 pounds money of this province, the whole, and the yearly quit-rent of one shilling Sterling for each 100 acres. A warrant for ye same is signed, dated ye 4th of 8ber, 1718. [Ref: Landis EarliestDoner p15]

Lancaster Co PA Deeds D-527, dated 15 Nov 1751:
This Indenture made the fifteenth day of November in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fifty one Between Michael Downer of the county of Lancaster in the Province of Pennsylvania yeoman and Maudln his wife of the one part and John Downer of the same county in the said Province yeoman (son of the said Michael and Maudlm) of the other part, Witnesseth that the said Michael Downer and Maualm his wife for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and sixty pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to the said Michael Downer in hand well and truly paid by the said John Downer at or before the execution hereof the receipt and payment whereof are hereby acknowledged have and each of them hath granted bargained sold released and confirmed and by these presents do and each of them doth grant bargain sell release and confirm unto the said John Downer his heirs and assigns all that certain tract of land situate on a branch of Swahatawo in Lebanon Township in the said county bounded and described as follows (viz), Beginning at a post and from thence extending by vacant land and Paltzer Crts land east ninety four perches to a marked chesnut oak thence by the said Paltzer Orts land and vacant land east by south one hundred perches to a post thence by vacant land north two hundred and eighty perches to a post west one hundred and forty perches to a post and south by west two hundred and sixty five perches to the place of beginning, Containing two hundred and sixty acres and the allowance of six acres per cent for roads and highways (It being the same tract of land which in and by a certain patent bearing date the ninth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and forty nine was granted and confirmed unto the said Michael Downer his heirs and assigns forever As in and by the said Patent (recorded in the office for recording of deeds for the city and County of Philadelphia in patent Book A, vol 15, page 171 etc, the 24th day of June 1749) reference being thereunto had will more fully and at large appear), Together with all and singular the houses out houses edifices buildings improvements ways waters water courses hedges ditches trees fences woods under woods profits privileges advantages hereditaments rights members and appurtenances whatsoever thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders thereof and all the estate right title interest use trust property possession claim and demand whatsoever both at law and in equity of them the said Michael Downer and Maudlin his wife or either of them of in and to the said premises or any part thereof, Together also with the above in part recited patent To Have and to hold the said tract of land hereditaments and premises hereby granted and released or mentioned or intended so to be with the appurtenances unto the said John Downer his heirs and assigns to the only proper use and behoof of the said John Downer his heirs and assigns forever at and under the yearly quit rent now due and hereafter to be come due for the same to the lord or lords of the fee thereof and the said Michael Downer doth hereby grant for himself and his heirs that he and they the said tract of land hereditaments and premises hereby granted and released with the appurtenances unto him the said John Downer his heirs and assign against him the said Michael Downer and the said Maudlm his wife and his heirs and against all and every other person and persons whomsoever lawfully claiming or to claim the same by from or under him her or them shall and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In witness whereof the said parties to these presents their hands and seals have hereunto interchangeably set the day and year first above written. Michael Downer, Maudlm (X) Downer.
Sealed and delivered in the presence of us, James Webb, Michael Share, Abraham Bare.
Received the day and year first within written of and from the within named John Downer the sum of two hundred and sixty pounds being in full the consideration money within mentioned to be paid to me.
The 10th day of December 1751 before me the subscriber one of His Majestys Justices of the Peace for the County of Lancaster came the within named Michael Downer and Maudlm his wife and acknowledged the within written indenture to be their act and deed and desired that the same may be recorded as such the said Maudlm voluntarily consenting thereto she being of full age and secretly and apart examined the within contents being first made known unto her Witness my hand and seal the day and year above written. Robert Thompson.
Recorded the 15th day of February, 1760. Edward Shippen, Recorder. [Ref: LancasterCoPA Deeds D-527]

Lancaster Co PA Deeds Y-174, dated 1 Feb 1755, (With an attempt to accurately transcribe the spelling and capitalization of the typed original):
This Indenture made the first day of February Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and fifty five Between Michael Downar of Lampeter township in the county of Lancaster and Province of Pennsylvania yeoman and Magdalena his wife of the one part and John Binkle of the same township county and province aforesaid miler of the other part, Whereas the Honourable Proprietaries of the province by their certain patent under the hands of Richard Hill, Isaac Norris and James Logan late commissioners of property and under the great seal of the said province did grant and convey to Tobias Collet Daniel Quare and Henry Goldney etc a certain tract of land containing five thousand five hundred and fifty three acres and the usual allowance of six acres p ct as by the same bearing date the twenty fifth day of June Anno Dom 1718 and recorded in the rolls office for the city and county of Philadelphia in pattant Book A Vol 5 page 308 etc may appear, And Whereas Jacob Kindrick late of the county of Lancaster deceased in his life time by virtue of the same and some sure conveyances in the law became sized in fee of four hundred acres of said lands and being so seized died intestate and without issue and after his decease the said lands and premises descended and came to George Kindrick brother and heir at law to the said Jacob Kindrick deceased, And Whereas the said George Kindrick and Barbara his wife by the certain indenture of twenty fourth day of December Anno Dom 1731 for valuable consideration did grant and convey two hundred acres of the said lands and premises to the above named Michael Downar party hereunto as by the same recorded in the rolls office for the said city and county of Philadelphia in Book G Vol 1 Page 18 etc the 5th of November 1739 refferance to the said several records etc being had may more fully and at large appear, And Whereas the said two hundred acres of land lyes sittuate on both sides of mill creek and bounded on the one side by lands of the above named John Binkle whereon the said John Binkle upon the said creek hath erected a mill dam and obstructed the said creek and thereby overflowed part of the lands of the said Michael Downar whereby he the said Michael hath damage to the value of thirty five pounds, Now this indenture witnesseth the said Michael Downar and Magdalena his wife for and in consideration of the sum of thirty five pounds lawfull money of the province to them in hand paid before the ensealing and delivery of these presents the receipt and payment whereof is hereby acknowledged and the said Michael Downar and Magdalina his wife therewith fully satisfied and the said John Binkle his heirs executors administrators and every of them thereof acquitted and discharge forever hath granted bargained sold alliened remised released enfeoffed and confirmed and by these presents doth grant bargain sell allien remise release enfeoffe and confirm unto the said John Binkle and to his heirs and assigns all that part of the said creek and the lands at this present time by said creek overflowed upon the lands of the said Michael Downer beginning at a white oak in the line of the line of the land of the said John Binkle and thence extending by lands of the said Michael Downar by the Brink of the said mill creek upwards by the severall courses thereof one hundred and thirty two perches to a marked white oak thence across the creek to a maple about five perches thence down the same on the severall westerly courses thereof one hundred and thirty seven perches to a white oak thence across the said creek by the line of the said John Binkles land across the said creek to the place of beginning including all the overflowed lands now under water and all that part of the creek within the limits above mentioned on both sides of said creek all and singullar the said creek and overflowed lands hereditaments and premises together with all and singular the right title interest use liberty property claim or demand whatsoever to the same belonging or in anywise appertaining and all the estate or estates reversion and remainder thereof, To have and to hold the above mentioned creek and overflowed hereditaments and premises herein granted bargained and sold or mentioned so to be to him the said John Binkle his heirs or assigns to the only proper use and behoof of him the said John Binkle and to his heirs and assigns forever And the said John Binkle for himself his heirs executors administrators and every of them doth covenant promise and agree that neither he nor any of them shall from henceforth raise augment nor heighten the said mill dam above the present height thereof nor overflow any more of the lands of said Michael Downar beyond the marks and limits now setled, And the said Michael Downar and Magdalina his wife for themselves their heirs executors administrators or assigns do grant promise and agree that they and every of them the said John Binkle heirs or assigns in the sure quiet and unmollested possession of the said water course and overflowed lands under the covenants aforesaid against all manner of persons shall warrant and forever defend and shall sign seal and execute or cause so to be made and executed all such further and other reasonable acts deeds devices or assurances either in law or equity howsoever as by the said John Binkle his heirs or assigns or as by his or their Council in the law shall be reasonably advised devised or required for the more perfect granting conveying assuring and confirming the premises to him the said John Binkle and to his heirs and assigns forever. In witness whereof the said Michael Downar and Magdalina his wife hath hereunto set their hands and seals respectively the day and year first above mentioned. Michael Downar, Magdalina (X) Downar.
Sealed and delivered in presence of Hans Guth, James Bickham.
Received the day of the date of the above indenture of and form the above named John Binkle the sum of thirty five pounds in full for the consideration money above mentioned.
Be it remembered that on the first day of February A.D. 1755 before me the subscriber one of the justices for Lancaster County personally appeared the above named Michael Downar and Magdalina his wife and acknowledged the above instrument to be their act and deed the said Magdalina being first examined apart from her said husband signified her consent and approbation and that she knew the contents thereof being of full age. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal dated as aforesaid. Robert Thompson.
Examined Recorded the 25th day of March 1784. James Jacks, Recorder. [Ref: LancasterCoPA Deeds Y-174]

Lancaster Co PA Deeds H-12, dated 2 May 1762:
This Indenture Made the Second day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty two Between Michael Downer of the Township of Lampeter in the County of Lancaster the Province of Pennsylvania yeoman and Magdalena his wife of the one part and Abraham Downer one of the Sons of the said Michael Downer of the other part, Whereas The Honorable the Proprietor in and by his certain Patent under the Hands of Richard Hill Isaac Nonis and James Logan the then Trustees of Property and the Great Seal of said Province Did Grant and Confirm unto Sebras Colcott, Daniel Luare, and Henry Goldney all of the City of London and to their Heirs and Assigns the Quantity of five thousand five hundred and fifty three Acres of Land Situate in the County of Lancaster and Province aforesaid as by the same bearing date the fifth day of June Anno Dom 1718 and Entered the Rolls Office atg Philadelphia in Patent Book A Vol 5 Page 306 may appear and whereas the said Sebug Cocett Daniel Luare and Henry Getitney in and by their Certain Deeds of Lease bearing date the Twentyeth day of February then following Did grant and Confirm unto Jacob Kendig (by the name of Jacob Kindrick) and to his Assigns a Certain part or parcel of the same Containing four hundred Acres and the Usual Allowance of Six percent for roads etc And the said Jacob Kendig being right fully sized of and the Said four hundred acres of land with the Appurtenances died Intestate and without Issue and after the Decease of the Said Jacob Kendig the above mentioned four Hundred acres of Land Descended to and vested in George Kendig the Brother and Heir at Law of the Said Jacob Kendrick Deceased, Who by his Certain Indenture together Barbara his wife Duly Executed the twentyeth day of December Anno Dom 1731 Did Grant and Confirm unto Michael Downer aforesaid and to his Heirs and Assigns a certain piece or Parcel of the above recited four hundred Acres of Land Bounded and Described as Beginning at a post in the Corner of Jacob Downers Land and from thence Extending by Joseph Buchwalter North by West Two hundred and twenty six perches and a half to a post, thence West by South one hundred and fifty perches to a post, thence by land Late of Felix Landes South by East Two hundred and twenty five perches and half to a post, thence by Jacob Kendigs Land East by North one hundred and fifty perches to the place of Beginning, Containing Two hundred Acres and the Usual Allowance of Six Acres PC for Roads etc to be held on of him the Said Michael Downer his Heirs or Assigns forever Reference to the Said Several Indentures being had may more fully and at large appear, Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Michael Downer and Magdalena his wife as well for the Love and Natural Affection they Belain(?) for their Son and for his better Advancement in this world as also in Consideration of the Sum of five Hundred Pounds Current Lawful Money of the Province to them paid by their said Son Abram Downar before Execution of these Presents the Receipt and payment whereof is hereby Acknowledged and the Said Abraham Downer his Heirs Executors Administrators and every them thereof acquitted and for ever discharged by these presents, Have Given and Granted Bargained and Sold Aliened Remissed Released and Confirmed and by these Presents do and each of them severally and Respectively Doth Give Grant Bargain Sell Alien Remise Release Enfeoff and Confirm unto him the said Abraham Downer and to his heirs and Assigns All that the above Described Two Hundred Acres of Land with the Appurtenances aforesaid Together with the Messuage and Dwelling House thereon erected Standing and being and all other the Buildings Improvements Orchards Gardens Meadows fields Woods Waters Ways Rents Issues Profits Privileges Advantages Hereditaments and Appurtenances And all and Singular the Estate or Estates Right Title and Interest Liberty Property Heritage Claim or Demand whatsoever of them the Said Michael Downer and Magdalena his wife their heirs Assigns or either of them of in or to the Same Belonging or in any wise appertaining and all the Reversion and Reversions, Remainder and Remainders thereof, To Have and To Hold unto him the said Abraham Downer and to his Heirs and Assigns to the only proper use Benefit and Behoof of him the said Abraham Downer and to his Heirs and Assigns forever Subject and under the Proportional Part of the Yearly Quit Rent and all other the Reservations from hence forth to become due to the Honorable the Proprietaries and Successors in name and Form as in the Original Grant mentioned and Specified, And without any other Covenant Cause or Condition Change or Incumberance Whatsoever Except what appears in these Presents, And the Said Michael Downer for himself and for Magdalena his wife their Heirs Executors Assigns and Every of them Respectively Doth further Grant Covenant Promise and Agree to and with the Said Abraham Downer and his Heirs and Assigns the Said given and granted Lands and Premises unto him the said Abraham Downer and his Heirs and Assigns Against All Manner of Persons to Warrant and forever defend by these Presents, And Shall at any time or times hereafter Sign Seal Execute and Deliver or Cause to Sell be made Executed and Delivered all such further and other Reasonable Lets Deeds Devices and Assurances either in Law or Equity howsoever as by the said Abraham Downer his Heirs or Assigns or as by his or their Council in the Law Shall be reasonably Advised Devised or Required for the more Effectual Granting Conveying Securing and Confirming the premises with the Appurtenances unto him the said Abraham Downer and to his Heirs and Assigns forever. It Witness whereof the parties to these presents have hereunto set their hands and Seals interchangeable the say and Year first above written. Michael Downer, Magdalena (X) Downer.
Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of Benjamin Landis, James Bickham, Jacob Wertman.
Received the day of the date of the above Indenture from the above named Abraham Downer the Sum of five hundred pounds the consideration money above mentioned. Michael Downer.
The 14th Day of May Anno Domini 1762 Before me the Subscriber one of the Justices of the Peace for Lancaster County Personally came James Bickham and JacobWertman two of the Subscribing Witnesses to the above Indenture and on their Oath and Solemn Affirmation respectively did Declare and Say that there present and Saw the above named Michael Downer and Magdalena his wife Sign Seal Execute and Deliver the same as their Act and Deed, that the Name Michael Downer are the hand Writing and Mark of the Grantors aforesaid and that the said James Bickham and Jacob Wertman the same Subscribed is the Deponents handwriting. In Witness my hand and seal. William Kwon.
Recorded May 18th 1762. [Ref: LancasterCoPA Deeds H-12]

[Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p19, Landis EarliestDoner p15]

Text of will given in Lancaster County Will Book H-2, p104 [DohnerHH] Will Book X-2 p104 [Landis], [WTM: but really in Y-2-104 in LCCH, see below]
(translation):
May 29 Anno Domini 1759. I Michael Doner of Lampeter Township in the County of Lancaster do with good and sound memory and understanding make my last will and testament. it is my will that all my debits and other expenses shall be paid first.
Item - I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalena one hundred pounds in cash also a chest which she pleases. Also much of the linen and of kitchen furniture as much as she shall please to take, also a spinning wheel and a cow which she please to choose, also the table in the house and garden either the old or the new house which she pleases.
Item - It is my will and I give to my eldest son John the land or plantation whereon he now lives to him his heirs and assigns for 200 pounds out of which sum he shall take his share equal to the rest of the heirs -- and shall pay yearly from the date hereof the sum of Ten pounds.
Item - It is my will and I give to my son Abraham the land or plantation whereon I now live to him his heirs and assigns for 500 pounds out of which sum he shall take his share equal to the rest of the heirs and shall pay to me yearly the sum of 20 pounds as long as I shall live and after my decease he shall pay yearly the sum of 50 pounds until the whole is paid. And besides this he shall give to his mother yearly as long as she lives of the Plantation the following goods: First the house and garden as mentioned above. Also 20 bushels of wheat, 3 bushels of malt, 1 bushel of Indian corn. Also 100 pounds of pork, 40 pounds of beef, 12 pounds of hacket fla, 12 pounds of hacked hemp, 7 pounds of wool, 3 barrels of cider, 12 gallons of stilled liquer, and apples as many as she shall need and shall feed and put her cow to pasture along with his own and shall provide and deliver fire wood for her as much as she shall have need of. N.B. If my son John can live without danger on his plantation he than shall pay after my decease the sum of 20 pounds.
And it is my will that all my children shall divide my estate peaceably share and share alike from the oldest to the youngest.
Declaring that this is my last will and testament. In witness whereof have I here set my hand and seal the day and year first mentioned. Michael Doner
Signed, sealed and declared by the above testator as his last will and Testament in the presence of us. Benjamin Landis, Jacob Hartman. [Ref: DohnerHH DOHNER p19, Landis EarliestDoner p15]

Will dated 29 May 1759, translated from German and recorded in Lancaster County Court House in Book Y-2 p104 (note confusion regarding X-2 and Y-2 -- when these books were photocopied the covers were put on the wrong books, so indexes based on the original filings are wrong when compared to the County Courthouse):
May the 29th Anno Domini 1759. I Michael Doner of Lampiter Township in the County of Lancaster do with good and sound memory and understanding make my last will and Testament. First it is my will that all my debts and other expenses shall be paid first. Item I give and bequeath unto my beloved wife Magdalena one hundred pounds in Cash also a chest which she pleases also of the Linen and of Kitchen furniture as much as she shall please to take also a spinning wheel and a cow which she shall please to chose also the Table in the house and the Privilege to the home and garden either the old or new house which she pleases. Item it is my will and I give to my eldest son John the Land and Plantation whereon he how lives to him his heirs and assigns for 200 Pounds out of which sum he shall take his share equal to the rest of the heirs and shall pay yearly from the date hereof the sum of Ten pounds. Item it is my will and I give to my Son Abraham the Land or Plantation whereon I now life to him his heirs and assigns for 500 Pounds out of which sum he shall take his share equal to the rest of the heirs and shall pay to me yearly the sum of 20 pounds as long as I shall live and after my decease he shall pay yearly the sum of 30 pounds until the whole is paid, And besides this he shall give to his mother yearly as long as she lives of the Plantation the following goods First the house and garden as it is mentioned above also 20 bushels of wheat 3 Bushels of malt one bushel of Indian corn also one hundred pounds of pork 40 pounds of Beef 12 pounds of Rackelt(?) flax and 12 pounds of Rackelt(?) Hemp 7 pounds of wool three barrels of Cyder 12 gallons of still'd Liquor and apples as many as she shall have need of and shall feed and put her Cow to pasture along with his own and shall provide and deliver fire wood for her as much as she shall have need of. N.B. If my son John can live without Danger on his Plantation he then shall pay after my decease the sum of 20 pounds. And it is my will that all my Children shall divide my Estate feasible share and share alike from the eldest to the youngest. Declaring this as my Last Will and Testament In witness whereof have I hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year first above written. Michael Doner.
Signed Sealed and declared by the above Testator as his Last Will and Testement in presence of us, Benj Landis, Jacob Hartman. [Ref: LancasterCoPA Wills 2Y-104]



Pedigree of Michael DOWNER
                            /-----Michael DANNER
                   /-----Jacob DANNER
                  |         \-----Madleni ZAUGG
          /-----Christian TANNER
         |         \-----Anna GIESSBUHLER
 /-----Hans DANNER
|         \-----Elsbeth FISCHER
Michael DOWNER
 \-----Anna (DANNER)



Descendants of Michael DOWNER

2nd generation


3rd generation


4th generation


5th generation