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An American Family History

Elizabeth Watts Yerkes
The Manor of Moreland was composed of a tract of ten thousand acres, and was created, in 1682, by a grant from William Penn to Dr. Nicholas More. Most of the Manor was in Philadelphia County, but is now Moreland Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Children of
Herman Yerkes
and Elizabeth Watts:
  • Anthony Yerkes
  • John Yerkes
  • Sarah Yerkes Hufty
  • Josiah Yerkes
  • Herman Yerkes
  • Silas Yerkes
  • Elizabeth Yerkes Howell
  • Stephen Yerkes
  • Elias Yerkes
  • Titus Yerkes

    • Elizabeth Watts Yerkes was born in Lower Dublin Township, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania on April 15, 1689. She was the daughter of the Reverend John Watts and Sarah Eaton.

    She married Herman Yerkes in 1711. They lived in the Manor of Moreland. Their children and life together are described in detail in the section on Herman and Elizabeth Yerkes.

    She became a widow when Herman died in 1751. Since she could own nothing in her own right, he provided for her in his will. He left her

    . . . the sum of Twelve Pounds Current and Lawfull money of Pennsylvania Yearly to be Leved out of my Estate as Long as She lives to her own proper use & Behoof. Together with her Bed & Bedding & what Cow she pleases with her own Mare and the Sorrel Colt to be kept on the place for her use and also which room she thinks most proper for her self in the House and Likewise Sarah Griffied to attend her till she becomes free.

    She died on October 11, 1756 in Moreland Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
    Children of John Watts
    and Sarah Eaton
  • Silas Watts
  • Elizabeth Watts Yerkes
  • John Watts, Jr.
  • Mary Watts Shull
  • Sarah Watts Davis
  • Deborah Watts Engle
  • Stephen Watts

    • During the 17th and 18th centuries an adult unmarried woman was considered to have the legal status of feme sole, while a married woman had the status of feme covert. A feme sole could own property and sign contracts. A feme covert was not recognized as having legal rights and obligations distinct from those of her husband and could not own any property. When a woman became a widow she became a feme sole again.

         

     

         

    ©Roberta Tuller 2012
    tuller.roberta@gmail.com

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