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Place of Birth: Neckarbischoffsheim, Pfalz, Germany
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From "Gunsmiths of Virgina" pg. 63

PHILIP SHEETZ (1738-1793). Gunsmith. Philip was a son of Frederick Sheetz. Frederick died before 1760, when York County Orphan's Court bound Philip to George Unkafer to learn the arts and mysteries of a gunsmith in Little Conewago, near present-day Hanover, York County, Pennsylvania.

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WILL of PHILIP SHEETZ
December 1, 1793
Will Book 2, page 230
Berkeley County, Virginia


"First - All debts and funeral charges paid. I bequeath to my sons, Martin Sheetz and Jacob Sheetz, and daughter Margaret Hanes, the house and lot with buildings and appurtanences thereon belonging in the town of Mechlenburg, in which I now dwell, to be equally divided etc., etc. My property all remains in the hands of my wife Juliana during her lifetime, should she remarry, entitled then, to half her share.

Martin shall have preference, if all agree to sell, then Jacob. Should neither take the goods at said appraisement then all to be sold to highest bidder, and money equally divided - that is, after the death of my wife.

My gunsmith tools remain in the possession of my wife till my son Martin Sheetz becomes of full age. If son Martin continues to work at the trade of gunsmith until the period he comes of age, I should then desire him to keep such tools at the executors appraisement, the amount he to be charged with. Son Jacob and daughter Hanes, to be just in this. I empower my executors to give them titles to land hereby described which I own, etc., etc.

All other lands and property to be divided equally among the three. Juliana my wife, is to be executrix and Henry Furney, executor, this my last will and testament.

December 1, 1793
Philip Sheetz

Wit: Ti Smurr; Henry Bedinger; Jacob Craft"










*Stephen Giardini (#47213655) contributed the full birth and biographical information which is featured on this memorial page.*