A.D.H.R. 4 E Cernay 64 - September 13th 1721
Testament of Margaret FREY of Steinbach

The testament is a source which is rarely exploited by the genealogists. It gives nevertheless very interesting genealogical, sociological and historical information.

This document is the testament of Margaret FREY, written on September the 13th 1721. It is kept in the Archives Départementales du Haut-Rhin (number 4 E Cernay 64). It consists of three pages and contains eight clauses.

The testament, a source of genealogy

This document teaches us that Margaret FREY, the testatrix living in Steinbach, is the widow of John James BAUMGART. Is also present Nicolas MÜLLER, burgess of the same village; the text doesn't state if he is related to her. She appoints her brother John Theobald FREY as her sole legatee. After her death, he will inherit her whole patrimony, except the possessions bequeathed in her will. That is how Frances FREY, daughter of John Theobald, will get a parcel of meadow and 28 pounds (art. 6). It seems that in 1721, Margaret FREY had no children living.

The testament, a source of history

The testament has been the main source of mentality and religious history for a long time. It seems that the legator is as much worried about the distribution out of his patrimony as about his spiritual future.

The pious expressions and clauses are frequent in this example:

• invocation to the Holy Trinity in the preamble.
• prayers for the deceased during five weeks after her death (art. 1).
• legacy to the parish of Steinbach (100 pounds, art.2) and to the Rosary brotherhood (10 pounds, art. 3).
• masses for the deceased's salvation (art. 4).
• payment for the funeral (art. 7).

Furthermore, the testament can be considered to be a source of economic history, as it permits one to study the importance of the extravagant and ostentatious expenditures and to estimate the financial situation of the legator. Finally, like the marriage contract and the death inventory, it provides information concerning the inheritance practices and family strategies.