The first Hanes to settle in the Kennetcook area of Douglas, Hants County, Nova Scotia was Joseph Hanes. He was allegedly from England and was born around 1740. He first appears in the 1791 tax assessment records as a farmer at Windsor, NS. He was probably a tenant on one of the land grants made to Halifax residents or military officials. He was appointed the pound-keeper for Douglas Township in 1800. A document dated March 21, 1810 includes a warrant in favor of Joseph Haines for 500 acres in Hants County for himself and his family. An additional land grant in 1814 of 900 acres was recorded in the District of Colchester, Halifax County for Joseph Haines (500 acres), John (son, farmer of Douglas - 200 acres) and William (son, farmer of Douglas - 200 acres).
Joseph Hanes married Jane ______ and had 5 children: 1) An unnamed child (mentioned in will), William, John (my 2nd great grandfather), Joseph, and Robert. His will was dated March 29, 1818.
In the name of God Amen, this 29th day of March 1818, I, Joseph Hanes, of Douglas in the County of Hants and Province of Nova Scotia, yeoman., being sick in body but of good and perfect memory, thanks be to Almighty God to make constitute ordain and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following...
First I give and commit my soul to Almighty God, who gave it and my body to be buried in a decent Christian like manner near to my child at William Smith, Esq. burying place by my executors hereafter to be named...
I give and bequeath to my well-beloved wife, Jane Hanes one third part of any land during her natural life and at her decease to be the property of my two sons, Joseph and Robert. All my household furniture except two beds and bedding, which I give to my sons Joseph and Robert - also one cow and three ewe sheep and the use of a good gentle mare when she wants to ride. She my said wife to be kept and taken care of by my two sons, Joseph and Robert, while she lives the articles bequested to my wife to be at her own disposal, whenever she pleases.
I give and bequeath to my son William Hanes, a small young horse worth about 10 pounds.
I give and bequeath to my son John Hanes, one mare and ten sheep.
I give and bequeath to my sons Joseph Hanes and Robert Hanes all my land with 150 acres of 200 acres that I have got of my son William. Also two horses and 20 sheep and two beds and bedding, these my two sons Joseph and Robert to take care of and provide for my wife their mother so long as she lives and to bury her decently at her decease.
I give and bequeath to my granddaughter, Sarah Jane Hanes, daughter to my son John 50 acres of land of the 200 acres I got of my son William and if she dies before she comes to age the said 50 acres to revert to my son John Hanes.
I will and desire that my farming utensils of every kind plows, harrows carts, sleds etc. etc. be left on the farm I now live on, so long as any of my son does occupy it and if any of the said articles remains when my children leave this farm the said articles to be equally divided between my sons, John, Joseph and Robert. And I do constitute and appoint and ordain my trusty and well beloved sons Joseph Hanes and Robert Hanes and my neighbor William Smith, Esq. to be sole executors to this my last will and testament...
N.B. My sleigh and harness I give to my wife.
N.B. The mare called the kicking mare to be sold and what ever she sells for to be equally divided between my wife and children.
Signed Joseph Hanes, his mark.
Joseph Hanes died on January 8, 1820 in Douglas Township. His estate was proved at Windsor, N.S. with an inventory dated Jan 29, 1820. The executors of his estate were William Smith (a neighbor), and sons Robert and Joseph Hanes. He was presumably buried in the William Smith Esq. Burying Ground, as requested in his will. His wife, Jane, died at age 88 on January 16, 1845 in Hants County.
Inventory: Total value 238 pounds, 15 shillings, 3 pence. Major items included 1 pair fat oxen, 1 horse six years old, 1 mare 14 years old, 1 lame mare six years old, 1 mare 4 years old, 1 colt 2 years old, 26 sheep, 16 hogs, 1 mare 4 years old, 1 ox cart, 1 horse cart, 1 plow, 1 sleigh and harness, 13 bushels of oats, 1 horse sled, 3 axes, 35 bushels of potatoes, 15 pounds flax, 29 yards cloth, 4 beds and bedding, 2 tables, 8 chairs, 1 looking glass, etc.
Source: Some information from: "Rawdon and Douglas - Two Loyalist Townships in Nova Scotia" by John Victor Duncanson, 1989.
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