Philip Surrena was born in 1776 in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, son of Joseph Serena. He moved to Clinton Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania and died there December 29, 1869.
This is a biography written about Philip, found in the 1896 History of Venango County, Pennsylvania:
Philip Surrena...
As mentioned in the biography, Philip married Elizabeth Baker, daughter of William Baker, born in 1782 in Maryland and died May 27, 1857 in Venango County, Pennsylvania. Together, they had eleven children: Elizabeth, Eve, Catherine, Joseph, William J., Ann, George B., Richard M., Philip J., Nancy, and John. Philip's and Elizabeth's graves, both seen here, can be found next to each other in Clintonville Methodist Cemetery in Clintonville, Venango County, Pennsylvania.
Here is Philip Surrena's will:
Last Will and Testament of Philip Surrenia 19 July 1865
In the name of God Amen, of the township of Clinton, County of Venango and State of Pennsylvania being of sound mind and memory and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life do therefore make ordain publish and declare this to be my last will and testament. That is to say first of all I give and bequeath my Soul to God who gave it and order that my body shall be interred in decent and Christian like manner and after my lawful debts and funeral expenses are paid and discharged the residue of my estate I give and bequeath and dispose of as follows to wit.
I order and direct that my sons shall each have the farms on which they now reside and for which I have made to each a title for the same to possess and inherit the same to them their heirs and assigns forever and I order and direct that the farm on Baylon's Run in Clinton Township, Venango County, and State of Pennsylvania in quantity one hundred and two acres and in market if already sold the proceeds shall be equally divided among my three daughters, Catherine Ghost. Anne Gaheniser [Zahniser] and Nancy Kilpatrick subject to each one paying an equal share of expenses to John Kilpatrick for his trouble in selling said land and if the said land is not sold in market then I order and direct that the same shall be sold by John A. Kilpatrick either at public or private sale as he may think best and the proceeds divided equally between my daughters, Catherine, Anne and Nancy as before mentioned by them paying an equal share of expenses for his trouble.
I order and direct that hte best bureau and the best table and two of the best feather beds and bedding at the time of my decease shall be sold by my executors either at public or private sale and the proceeds equally divided between my daughters Catherine, Anne and Nancy. And the balance of my personal property together with what may become due thereafter and also all the money that I may have at the time of my decease I will and bequeath the same to my son John Surrenia (accepting and reserving one two year old calf, one four year old calf and one horse and wagon and harness out of said personal property) Subject nevertheless to the delivery of four average sheep out of the flock by the said John Surrenia to each of my daughters Catherine, Anne and Nancy.
And to my grandchildren, Benjamin Chamberlain, Joseph Chamberlain and Clinton Chamberlain and Carlisle Say, Elizabeth Say and Nancy Jane Say I will and bequeath to each the sum of five dollars to be paid to them respectfully when they shall attain to the age of twenty one years by my three daughters Catherine, Anne and Nancy each paying an equal share which portion alloted to my grandchildren shall be in lieu of their mothers portion of my estate and to my sons Joseph Surrenia, Willian Surrenia, George 'T' Surrenia, Richard Surrenia, Philip Surrenia and John Surrrenia I will and bequeath the sum of one dollar each to be paid to them respectfully by my executors within six months after my decease. Likewise I make constitute and appoint my son in law, John A. Kilpatrick and my son, John Surrenia to be executors of this my last w ill and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.
In matters whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal the nineteenth day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty five.
Philip Surrena
The above statement of writing was subscribed by the said Philip Surrenia in our presence and acknowledged by him to each of us and he at the same time published and declared the above instrument so described to be his last will and testament we at the testatos request and in his presence have signed our names as witnesses hereto and written opposite our names our respective places of residence.
R. York, Irwin Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania
Thomas McKee, Clinton Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania
John L. Hovis, Clinton Township, Venango County, Pennsylvania